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racham1123's review against another edition
2.0
I started this as an audiobook, but found it less painful as a tangible book. I had mixed feelings going in. Borrowers remorse. (I had just borrowed it on Libby the day before)
Here's the thing, though the book itself was much easier to read than listen to (I just found it much more lackluster on audiobook) I still don't think I really liked the book. It didn't feel as fluffy as other books by Giffin but she does still write in a narrative that is easy to read. I didn't really believe the attraction between Nick and Valerie at first (during the audiobook portion); it didn't feel like much of a connection to me. There was definitely very little swoon factor, though I don't think that's this authors style so much. Then, when the characters did get together, I was like "ok, we're doing this" but then the book was just so...flat? I honestly feel like there was no point, not really.
Also, once again I didn't really love our characters. None of the adults, really. Charlie, Valerie's son is the single best thing about this book and he falls into a fire right out of the gates (which is both heartbreaking and also speaks volumes about the other characters).
The book would have done much better with an epilogue, I think.
Here's the thing, though the book itself was much easier to read than listen to (I just found it much more lackluster on audiobook) I still don't think I really liked the book. It didn't feel as fluffy as other books by Giffin but she does still write in a narrative that is easy to read. I didn't really believe the attraction between Nick and Valerie at first (during the audiobook portion); it didn't feel like much of a connection to me. There was definitely very little swoon factor, though I don't think that's this authors style so much. Then, when the characters did get together, I was like "ok, we're doing this" but then the book was just so...flat? I honestly feel like there was no point, not really.
Also, once again I didn't really love our characters. None of the adults, really. Charlie, Valerie's son is the single best thing about this book and he falls into a fire right out of the gates (which is both heartbreaking and also speaks volumes about the other characters).
The book would have done much better with an epilogue, I think.
jess_mango's review against another edition
4.0
I'm somewhere between a 3 and a 4 on this one. It kept me interested but I just didn't enjoy this book quite as much as I enjoyed the other books that I've read by Giffin.
abbywebb's review against another edition
3.0
I love Emily Giffin, but seriously, who wants to read about yet another cheater?! I am sure much of her fan base has experienced that sort of drama in their real lives that they don't need to relive it in print. It was cute in her initial book, watching the secret relationship of Dex and Rachel unfold, but this was something much different.
Very nice book though, aside from that pesky detail in the story line. This is another example of straight-forward chick lit that keeps you engaged until the bitter end, despite not being filled with much action.
Very nice book though, aside from that pesky detail in the story line. This is another example of straight-forward chick lit that keeps you engaged until the bitter end, despite not being filled with much action.
carlimact's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
I bought this book ages ago and decided to read it again after an unhaul.
Well...
I find it really hard to enjoy a book when the characters are insufferable.
Nick comes off as judgemental and Valerie with no backbone for the most part.
I literally groaned when I saw the main conflict coming
The one saving grace where I would've given 2 stars unfortunately was taken from me in the last couple pages.
In short, if you don't enjoy infidelity don't read this.
I normally enjoy Giffin's novels so this really disappointed me.
Well...
I find it really hard to enjoy a book when the characters are insufferable.
Nick comes off as judgemental and Valerie with no backbone for the most part.
I literally groaned when I saw the main conflict coming
The one saving grace where I would've given 2 stars unfortunately was taken from me in the last couple pages.
In short, if you don't enjoy infidelity don't read this.
I normally enjoy Giffin's novels so this really disappointed me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
banteringbibliophile's review against another edition
2.0
Okay I generally like Emily Griffin because it usually portrays women as strong and unlike most other books it gives a reason for why infidelity happens from an angle that no one discusses. And yet I'm pretty sure at the end of her books that I hate everyone. And I'm a very understanding person. I personally loved something borrowed and loved Dex and Rachel in Something borrowed. As a young woman I could relate to Rachel and it was a good feel good story perfect for a young adult yearning for love.Rachel wasn't extraordinarily pretty and yet despite it all she got the guy. Something blue was horrible because I hated Darcy and always did hate her even after she had her own book. But this book was just Blah, I hated seeing Rachel and Dex happy because they weren't normal and no way the Rachel we knew would give up everything about herself and become the sappy friend. Also Tessa seemed whiny and stupid, what woman doesn't notice something like that. Valerie also was just ugh. I just hated her she was judgmental and mean and didn't seem like a very good mother. And more importantly Nick was to blame and Tessa just took him back and blames herself. On what level is this story realistic in any way. And I'm not even done and desperately want to quit but I have a stupid rule where I have to get through a book if I start it its gonna be a long painful night...
mxshining's review against another edition
4.0
This book is a bit slow in the beginning, but gets you emotionally involved towards the end. Also: quite realistic, which is a positive point for me (considering romantic books).
allisondenae's review against another edition
3.0
Rushed out and got this first thing this morning! SOOOO excited! I love Emily Giffin!!
Update: I finished it, but I am still deciding. Can't be a good sign. I couldn't put it down, but was it good? Do I want to read it over and over like Something Blue? Nope. Sad, cause I love her, and I will keep reading her books faithfully, but this was just not my favorite. Much better than Love the One You're with, though. I'll give her that.
Update: I finished it, but I am still deciding. Can't be a good sign. I couldn't put it down, but was it good? Do I want to read it over and over like Something Blue? Nope. Sad, cause I love her, and I will keep reading her books faithfully, but this was just not my favorite. Much better than Love the One You're with, though. I'll give her that.
tennilles's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mslenakay's review against another edition
3.0
I didn't really enjoy this book. It's always the same themes with Giffin's books.
I feel like too many of her books are about cheating, to the point that it's almost as if she truly believes that every single guy cheats. I finished this book honestly wondering if everyone cheats, that's how much it comes up in Emily Giffin's books.
I feel like too many of her books are about cheating, to the point that it's almost as if she truly believes that every single guy cheats. I finished this book honestly wondering if everyone cheats, that's how much it comes up in Emily Giffin's books.
devansbooklife's review against another edition
4.0
I hated the ending. I dont know why but I never felt sorry for Tess. I wanted Val and Nick together. Tess was a shallow, selfish, snob. I felt bad for Val, and even though she did what was wrong, I felt she deserved happiness.